Mitsubishi L200 Diesel 2.4 Bi-Turbo D Barbarian D/Cab Pick UP 4WD Auto

Ten Second Review

The Mitsubishi L200 pick-up returns to the UK in this more aggressive-looking 'Series 7' form, marketed by a new importer and sold by a fresh dealer network. It's just as tough as it's always been but sticks with traditional diesel power and an improved version of the usual capable Super Select 4WD system.

Background

Think Mitsubishi and if you don't think Lancer Evo, you'll probably be thinking of this model, the L200 pick-up. You might also be thinking of a brand no longer sold here, the original importers the Colt Car Company having discontinued UK sales back in 2021. But now Mitsubishi has returned to our market - and so, inevitably has the L200 pick-up, with a fresh importer International Motors (who also handle Isuzu); and a fresh more aggressive look that the new UK dealer network hopes pick-up customers won't be able to ignore. The Mitsubishi marque has for some time been owned by the Nissan Renault Alliance, a conglomerate likely to provide this model line with an EV drivetrain at some point. For the time being though, this 'Series 7' generation design gets developed version of the 2.4-litre diesel we saw in the old MK6 model of 2019. L200 sales date right back to 1982, with subsequent generations following in 1986, 1996, 2005 and 2015. So what of this MK7 version? Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

You might think that pick-up newcomer would these days have to launch with some kind of electrified engine, but there's nothing of that sort here. The four cylinder 2.4-litre twin turbocharged diesel that's the only unit currently on offer is a re-engineered version of the powerplant many potential owners will be familiar with from the previous sixth generation model. It's now got more torque and puts out 201bhp - considerably more than a rival Isuzu D-Max (162bhp) for instance. Power goes via a six-speed auto gearbox and there are seven different driving modes - Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock, each one varying how power is needed to optimise performance. With the plusher 'Barbarian'-spec model, there's Hill Descent Control; and the brand's latest 'Super Select 4WD II' all-wheel drive system, which can switch seamlessly between two and four wheel drive. There's also a low gear centre-locking differential. And across the range you get the segment's usual 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. For a pick-up, there's a reasonably tight turning circle too. There's only so much you can do to make a pick-up enjoyable to drive but Mitsubishi has made more effort in this regard as part of this update, conscious that any L200 is likely to spend the majority of its time on tarmac. But since there's still the same combination of solid chassis and live rear axle, things will still get a bit bouncy from time to time unless you're careful.

Design and Build

Like virtually all current pick-ups, this Series 7 L200 comes only in doublecab form. A quarter of a century ago, this Mitsubishi sold well in Single Cab guise to farmers and builders, but there's no chance of the brand returning to that market. Instead, more aspirational tradespeople are being sought here, with a more aggressive front statement than any this model line has made in nearly half a century of history. The new three-tier grille is particularly striking. The brand calls this 'a rugged ultra-modern exterior', but it's perhaps more significant to note that it's created a bigger vehicle than before, this Series 7 design 95mm longer and 15mm taller than its sixth generation predecessor, though the 1,815mm width remains the same. Wheel sizes are 17 or 18-inches. Inside, if you ran an old L200, the familiar three-spoke Mitsubishi wheel will bring the memories flooding back. It all feels a bit more modern in the cab this time round though, with a 9-inch central screen standing proud of the dash. And a 7-inch instrument cluster display. There are plenty of knobs and buttons, which will probably endear this Mitsubishi to traditional pick-up users over its Chinese rivals. There's very much a utilitarian vibe with base 'Titan' trim (vinyl floors, plastic steering wheel), but things pick up with plusher 'Barbarian' spec. As usual with a doublecab pick-up, the rear seat is somewhat upright but will be OK for two adults on short to medium-length journeys. It incorporates a central armrest and you can store stuff beneath it. Plus there are front seat back pockets.

Market and Model

There are two familiar-sounding L200 trim options - 'Titan' and plusher 'Barbarian', priced at £36,295 and £39,995 respectively. There's a choice of five different paint colours, with extroverts targeted by 'Yamabuki Orange'. Obviously, the UK dealer network will be very different to what it was under the previous importers. International Motors says that there will be a 60-strong dealer base around the country, combined with 105 existing after-sales outlets around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Equipment levels look decent. Base 'Titan' trim gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera system, front seats with lumbar support and a 9-inch centre screen with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. Along with rear privacy glass, side steps and rear parking sensors. And there's Mitsubishi's drive mode system. Along with the usual suite of pick-up camera safety features - like 'Forward Collision Mitigation', 'Blind Spot Warning' and 'Rear Cross Traffic Alert'. You have to step up to the 'Barbarian' model to get the brand's 'Super Select 4WD II' all-wheel drive set-up. With this plusher variant you also get 18-inch black alloy wheels, black external features, LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two-zone climate control, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, a 6-speaker audio system, Hill Descent Control and carpeted flooring instead of the 'Titan' model's vinyl floors.

Practicalities and Costs

If you owned an old Series 6 L200, you'll find that the practical stats haven't changed here. At the business end, you're faced with a cargo bed 526mm deep (previously 475mm) now able to match the Ford Ranger; and 1,555mm long (previously 1,470mm). Payload is 1,080kg and as we told you in our 'Driving' section, there's a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. There are six load lashing points for tying things down and, as you'd expect, there's enough width between the wheel arches to be able to slide in a euro pallet. Running costs are much as before; Mitsubishi quotes a combined cycle figure of over 42mpg, but it's more realistic to think in terms of 30-35mpg on a regular basis. You should get over 650 miles from a tank though, if you drive carefully. CO2 emission will be well over 200g/km.

Summary

Mitsubishi must reinvent itself for a new era, but the change isn't going to come all at once, as the familiarity of this Series 7 L200 pick-up shows. This model line has returned just in time prevent it from becoming a distant memory in the minds of UK pick-up folk, who once turned to Mitsubishi for over 70% of sales in this class. That kind of segment dominance won't be repeated this time round of course, but this rejuvenated L200 might well carve out a useful niche for itself amongst pick-up customers bored by conventional choices who don't want to try something Chinese. Comebacks can be problematic, but this one might just work.